Air Traffic - Fractured Life

Genre indie-rock Publisher Astralwerks External Links Air Traffic MySpace

So, being the musical connoisseur that I am, I couldn't wait to get my hands on some new indie-rock to review. I sat down, poured myself a tall one, and proceeded to delve straight into the latest from the UK. Yes, I'm talking about Air Traffic. Originally a four-piece from Bournemoth, the band is one of those groups that has enjoyed stardom from the press in their country after only releasing a couple of songs. It's the hype behind one or two of these songs which propels acts like Air Traffic into the spotlight, and gives them the kind of exposure they need to make it or break it commercially. It leaves you little room to move, unfortunately, as such expectations can bring you to the top, or generally cause you to peter out from widespread dissapointment among fans. Never-the-less, Air Traffic seems fit for this sort of joy ride.

All of the factors for success are in place for the band. They have drawn upon comparison to other acts from Britain, including national favorites like Muse and of course, Radiohead. When you tack on two hit singles on the UK charts, a major label recording contract, and critical acclaim from guys like Steve Lamacq, how can you go wrong? Noticeably, an effort to put some area between you and your guitar-fronting competition, the best way to do it is with my favorite instrument. Oh yes, I'm talking about the piano. In their debut, Fractured Life, the band displays how this approach can add a sense of freshness and even excitement in a world full of jagged guitar chords, repetitive rhythms, and washed out effects.

Straight out of the box, Chris Wall proves why he is the front man for the band and the engine for this indie-rock machine. Consistent piano and guitar work aside, Wall's vocals on Fractured Life stand out as some of the best I have heard from a group like this in a long time. Easily at home on both all-encompassing ballads or in-your-face stadium rock, the transitions in Wall's voice are impeccable from track to track. One may draw some lines to Coldplay on Chris Martin's piano pieces like "No More Running Away" or the knockout single, "Shooting Star." One of the most moving tracks on the album is "Empty Space," which features Wall's vocals and a well-placed piano melody. Sometimes less is more, and in this case Air Traffic takes home the gold for delivering on power over production. Wall has a falsetto that is only heightened by the use of merely the piano. Well, Chris, if your band ever decides to break up, you could always make it as a solo man, I'm sure.

Although the album is heavily laden with piano, Air Traffic proves on Fractured Life that they can express themselves in other ways. Through the single "Charlotte" thye rely more on guitars than the piano, or any other instrument for that matter. Of course, there is still the presence of the infectious guitar riff, and Wall breaks through the barriers in a series of great hooks, drawing out finally in an overwhelming chorus. The song, while mediocre in terms of lyrics, remains a reason to fly with Air Traffic. And, other than "Get in Line," it is the only track on the album which does not feature prominent piano use. Every album is going to have a few throw-aways, and Fractured Life is no exception, but over all, this is a stunning debut from another act from the UK. Destined to be a singles band or will they fly higher? I guess you will have to fasten your seatbelts, keep your tray tables in the upright positions, and remain seated until this band has come to a complete stop.